Roasted Broccolini Recipe - Wholesome Yum (2024)

Roasted Broccolini Recipe - Wholesome Yum (1)

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Table Of Contents hide

  • Why You’ll Love This Roasted Broccolini Recipe
  • How To Cook Broccolini
  • Other Ways To Cook Broccolini
  • Common Questions
  • Storage Instructions
  • What To Serve With Roasted Broccolini
  • More Roasted Vegetable Recipes
  • Tools For This Recipe
  • Roasted Broccolini Recipe

This roasted broccolini recipe (sometimes called baby broccoli) is one of those side dishes you get at restaurants and get impressed because it looks all fancy — but in reality, learning how to cook broccolini is actually the simplest thing ever. It’s really not much different from any other type of roasted vegetables. In fact, it’s the same method I use for roasting broccoli!

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Broccolini Recipe

  • Sweet and tender stalks
  • Just 2 ingredients, plus salt and pepper
  • On the table in less than 20 minutes
  • Packed with nutrients
  • Easy side dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions
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Ingredients & Substitutions

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for oven roasted broccolini, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

  • Broccolini– This veggie is in season year round, but its peak season is from October to April. Look for vibrant green stalks with small, tight florets. Trim 1-2 inches from the stems. If pieces are large or uneven in size, slice lengthwise down the stalk. Consistent thickness ensures that they will cook at a similar rate.
  • Olive Oil – This adds flavor, promotes browning, and helps the seasonings stick. You can also use avocado oil or any heat-safe oil for cooking broccolini.
  • Seasoning – I used simply salt and pepper. You can also experiment with garlic powder, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Roasted Broccolini Recipe - Wholesome Yum (3)

VARIATION: Add garlic.

If you want roasted garlic broccolini, you can use the same method I use for my garlic green beans. Roast the broccolini on its own first until it’s close to done, then add sliced or minced garlic in the last few minutes. This avoids burning it. Another option is to simply sprinkle the broccolini with garlic powder before baking.

How To Cook Broccolini

This section shows how to make roasted broccolini, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.

  1. Season. Arrange the veggies in a single layer on a baking sheet. (You can line it with foil if desired.) Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Move the pieces around together to coat better, then spread in a single layer again.
  2. Bake. Roast broccolini until tender and florets are crispy.

Roasted Broccolini Recipe - Wholesome Yum (4)

TIP: Don’t overcrowd the pan.

This can cause the broccolini to steam instead of roast, making it more mushy than crispy. Make sure each piece is touching the pan.

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Other Ways To Cook Broccolini

I think roasting is the best way to cook broccolini because it’s so simple and hands off, but you can also cook it using other methods. All these broccolini recipes are easy to make:

  • Sauteed broccolini – Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet, then add broccolini. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
  • Air fryer broccolini – Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F. Toss the stalks with a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy.
  • Grilled broccolini – Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place directly on the grill grates and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.

Common Questions

  • What is broccolini? Broccolini is a green vegetable that’s a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli (gai lan). It has small florets and long, thin stalks. “Brocolini” in Italian means “baby broccoli”, which is why it sometimes gets that name.
  • Broccolini vs. broccoli: What’s the difference? Broccolini is similar to broccoli but has smaller florets and thinner stalks. It also has a sweeter and milder taste, while regular broccoli has larger florets and a more robust flavor.
  • Broccoli rabe vs. broccolini: What’s the difference? Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is more closely related to turnips than broccoli, with bitter leaves and small florets. On the other hand, broccolini is less leafy with florets that more closely resemble broccoli.
  • How long to roast broccolini? Roast broccolini for about14-18 minutes, until the stalks are tender and florets are crispy.

Storage Instructions

  • Store: Keep leftover roasted broccolini in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Reheat: Simply pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or quickly sauté it in a hot pan with a touch of oil until warm.
  • Freeze: Blanch broccolini in boiling water for a minute to maintain its flavor and texture when freezing. Shock in ice water, then dry and freeze in zip lock bags for up to 3 months. When ready to roast, toss with olive oil and roast, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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What To Serve With Roasted Broccolini

Like roasted asparagus, roasted broccolini recipes make a perfect side for any protein! Here are a few ideas:

  • Chicken – Roast broccolini alongside chicken legs, juicy lemon garlic chicken, some spicy Cajun chicken, or one of my other chicken recipesinstead.
  • Steak – If you want a classic steakhouse meal meal, pair this side with a tender filet mignon with mashed cauliflower or mashed potatoes. You can also make a roasted beef tenderloin or tomahawk steak for a special occasion, or a quick and easy sirloin steak for weeknights.
  • Pork – Serve roasted broccolini alongside smothered pork chops or a pork sirloin roast.
  • Fish – Pair this side dish with your choice of baked haddock (pictured above), pan seared halibut, or flavorful pesto salmon for a healthy, elegant meal.

More Roasted Vegetable Recipes

If you like this easy roasted broccolini recipe, here are some other roasted veggie recipes to try:

  • Baking Sheet– One trick to the best roasted broccolini recipe? Not crowding your pans! Use an XL sheet pan or split up the broccolini into two pans.

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Recipe Card

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5 from 13 votes☝️ Click stars to rate or click here to leave a review!

Roasted Broccolini Recipe

Learn how to cook broccolini like a restaurant, in just 20 minutes! This roasted broccolini recipe is an easy side for steak, fish, or chicken.

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 14 minutes

Total: 19 minutes

Author: Maya Krampf from WholesomeYum.com

Servings: 6 (adjust to scale recipe)

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Ingredients

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Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil, if desired.

  2. Trim 1-2 inches from the stems of the broccolini. If some pieces are extra large, slice lengthwise down the stalk, so that they are all similar in thickness.

  3. Arrange the broccolini in a single layer on the pan. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Move the pieces around together to coat better, then spread in a single layer again. (Don’t overcrowd the pan.)

  4. Roast broccolini for 14-18 minutes, until the stalks are tender and florets are crispy.

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Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2-3 thin stalks (or halved thicker ones), or 1/6 entire recipe

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories91

Fat6.8g

Protein2.7g

Total Carbs5.4g

Net Carbs4.5g

Fiber0.9g

Sugar1.8g

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.

Course:Side Dish

Cuisine:American

Keywords:broccolini recipe, how to cook broccolini, roasted broccolini

Calories: 91 kcal

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂

Roasted Broccolini Recipe

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FAQs

Is broccolini easier to digest than broccoli? ›

This means you can more easily eat broccolini stems than broccoli stems, which are much tougher and could be more difficult to eat and digest raw. Plus, you don't need to peel broccolini stems before preparing them. The texture of broccolini is more like that of asparagus than broccoli.

Is broccolini really baby broccoli? ›

Broccolini is a delicate hybrid developed by a seed company in Japan between conventional broccoli and gai lan, a Chinese broccoli varietal. Broccolini is sometimes called “baby broccoli,” but it is not a young version of broccoli as that name would suggest.

What is difference between broccoli and broccolini? ›

Broccoli has a thick, woody stem and a large, flowering head. Broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli, and also belongs to the cabbage family. Broccolini have long, firm stalks (thinner and more tender than those of broccoli), a few small leaves and small florets.

Is broccolini easier to digest? ›

High in fibre, broccolini is a fantastic gut healer. How? Fibre helps to feed the good bacteria in your digestive system and acts as a prebiotic for the gut. Fibre aids in digestion, prevents constipation and maintains a good level of blood sugar.

Which is healthier broccoli or broccolini? ›

The verdict. Broccolini – by a hair's breadth! Nutritionally, the two brassicas are very similar. But the excellent vitamin A content of broccolini, together with the fact that it needs less prep and there's no waste, gives it the edge over broccoli for us.

What is the broccolini controversy? ›

The United Workers Union is alleging exploitation of workers at Vizzarri Farms. Its broccolini is branded for both Coles and Woolworths as well as being sold as 'Perfection Fresh. ' Claims of tax not being withheld and superannuation not being paid have been submitted with the Federal Court.

Why is broccolini more expensive than broccoli? ›

Broccolini will also have longer stems and smaller heads in comparison to broccoli. Broccolini is still a fairly new cruciferous vegetable, as it was invented in 1993 in Japan. Because of its newness and because it provides less quantity in a stalk, broccolini is typically more expensive than broccoli.

What is the Chinese name for broccolini? ›

Broccolini is actually a cross-breed of broccoli and Chinese broccoli, a leafy vegetable commonly referred to as gai lan in Cantonese or jie lan in Mandarin.

How do you take the bitterness out of broccolini? ›

The easiest way to rid broccoli rabe of some of its bitter flavor is by blanching it first. Just a quick dip in boiling water extracts enough of the bitterness and jumpstarts the cooking.

Are you supposed to eat the stems of broccolini? ›

The best way to experience the health benefits of broccolini is to eat it raw. The stems, leaves, and florets are all edible. You can also choose to steam your broccolini and serve it as a side to complete a tasty, nutritious meal.

What is broccolini called in USA? ›

Often called baby broccoli, broccolini is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli (kai lan) that was developed and trademarked in 1993 by Japan's Sakata Seed Corporation. And you may have heard of Tenderstem broccoli — that is just a trademarked name for broccolini.

Is broccolini a Superfood? ›

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BROCCOLINI. Broccolini® is the super simple superfood that is rich in folate, fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants and also low in kilojoules, sugars & sodium.

What is baby broccoli called? ›

Broccolini, Aspabroc, baby broccoli or tenderstem broccoli, is a green vegetable similar to broccoli but with smaller florets and longer, thin stalks. It is a hybrid of broccoli and gai lan (which is sometimes referred to as "Chinese kale" or "Chinese broccoli"), both cultivar groups of Brassica oleracea.

Does broccolini make you gassy? ›

This genetic crossing of the two plants first occurred in 1933. Both broccoli and broccolini also fit into the same family of cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables are a type of vegetable that can cause digestive symptoms in some people, especially gas.

Why is broccolini so much better than broccoli? ›

"Broccolini is more tender than broccoli and has a milder flavor," explains JUMAHA. "I love the mix of textures; the crunchy stems and the softer florets that soak up sauce are a great combination. This quick broccolini dish is delicious, good for you, and full of garlicky, lemony flavor."

Is broccolini gut healthy? ›

The presence of beneficial bacteria in our gut is essential to keeping our immune systems strong and digestive systems healthy. Choosing foods high in fibre, such as broccolini, can assist in weight control by keeping us fuller for longer and keeping our bowel movements regular.

Is broccolini anti inflammatory? ›

Broccoli and broccolini are nutritionally powerful foods due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification properties, and they also contribute toward cancer prevention, digestive and cardiovascular support, skin and eye health, and vitamin D support (due to an unusually strong combination of both vitamin ...

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